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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Former ambassador and Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman is meeting with South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

Huntsman was escorted into Haley's office Friday by former state GOP Chairman Henry McMaster.

Huntsman is one of many Republicans mulling a 2012 presidential bid and hoping to win Haley's endorsement in this early primary state.

Huntsman finished his stint as U.S. ambassador to China last week and will give a commencement speech Saturday at the University of South Carolina.

Haley has previously met with former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann who also are considering presidential bids. Haley also has spoken by phone with Donald Trump.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)